About Spiros S.

I am Blues-Rock Specialist guitar virtuoso.With me you can become one too!All levels are welcome from beginners to advanced players." high energy and versatility with the strings makes him a dangerous man."--Blues Revue

About Spiros

SPIROS S.

Many years of teaching experience and many happy and satisfied students, some of them are now professional musicians.5 personal cds. Award for best Rock album in Greece.Conservatory trained.Music Theory-Harmony degree from the Athens Conservatory(Athens -Greece)Degree in Musicology from Stockholm`s (Sweden) University.Regular appearances at BBKING`s in NYC since Jan. 2006and at many other major NYC venues.Music Therapy sessions while learning how to play the tunes that you love.Blues-Rock-Jazz.My playing is influenced by the British masters Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, David Gilmour,and American guitarists Johnny Winter, Stevie Ray Vaughan,B.B.King,Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton and many others.Some of my students come from the corporate world and use my lessons as music therapy.Some of m

y students are now well respected pro guitar players.All of my students love my lessons and benefit greatly from them in so many ways.

*** Lesson Details ***I customize the lessons to fit the level of proficiency of my students,and to fit to their schedule of practicing.

*** Studio Equipment ***Guitars,Bass,Amps,recording equipment

*** Specialties ***Guitar,Bass,& Music Theory teacher.Blues/Rock/Jazz

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Reviews

Adi March 15, 2018·Guitar·In studio

Spiros is my guitar instructor for over a year now, I’m so happy to be learning with such an amazing Guitar master 😊.
Not only did I learn how to play, he actually thought me how to read music and work on my vocals.
I couldn’t be happier 😃.
I absolutely recommend to take him as your teacher, you will not regret it!

Lawrence September 28, 2017·Greek·In studio

Spiros is an excellent teacher. He is very knowledgable and employs very effective pedagogical techniques.

Andrea A. August 9, 2017·Greek·In studio

Personable, knowledgeable, focused, and fun. I'm confident I'll be able to convey the key things I want to on my imminent trip to Greece.

Spiros S.

Spiros S.

About Albert M.

About Albert

Twenty three years of performing and teaching experience. Specialty in Rock, Blues, Finger Style, Country, Folk, Classical, Funk and Punk. Bachelor of Arts in Classical Performance from Fredonia University. Proficient in theory, reading, composition and arranging, songwriting. Recording artist for hire and personal projects. Home studio in Highlands, NJ.

My Philosophy - Students First - My main goal is to create a comfortable atmosphere in which the student can proceed at his/her own pace. Whether you are looking to perform, do studio work, audition, be a songwriter or just learn a few songs for your own enjoyment. I am happy to create a custom program for you. I believe the most fundamental place to begin is with theory. Through a creative, relaxed and patient environment I introduce students to the rudiments of music on 2 simp

le pages. Theory helps you to understand song writing, ear training, and how to build chords and scales. I try to get you to hear the music so you can improvise better and also take songs and solos off CD's yourself, therefore becoming more self reliant to teach yourself in the future.

My students bring in the songs they like and by strengthening their ears and learning to apply theory points, I show them how they can figure out the song by ear the exact way it was written and played by the original artist. Therefore you can play with the CD as if you are a band member. This builds confidence to perform and record in any band at any level. As stated above, I will also customize a program for those interested in learning songs without the theory work so they can use the music to play songs as a nice relaxing past time.

Course Descriptions- Rock, Blues and Funk: You will quickly learn how chords and scales are developed using a condensed theory set up chart. This quick immersion in theory helps you to build a strong foundation while at the same time playing and enjoying the music. I have found in my years of teaching that making theory and music interactive from the beginning makes it more enjoyable to learn. You will learn all scales, chords, techniques, rhythms, and ear training specific to these styles of music. The advantage to this Teaching Format , especially in terms of solo scale playing, to progress much further and faster than if you were just learning how to play the songs. We then go straight to the CD's of your choice and learn from the best, the artists you've admired. Whether to learn their rhythms, solo lines, songwriting formats, melodies and harmonies, and all by ear. As a soloist, you will know enough about scales and chord theory and how to blend the two so you can make the guitar talk yourself. Still for those who want a quick song approach, we can get into playing a song and review its theory relevance when desired. (Recommend 1 hour lesson/week plus practice time)

Folk, Country and Bluegrass: As stated above, I begin with the condensed theory chart to understand chords of all types. Here we study rhythms of the above music forms including ballad, country blues and country folk. Through use of songs you enjoy, we study how the music was written and performed. You will learn in this course how to play music you love as it was done by the original artist. We begin with listening to the original soundtrack. Through the use of the ear we dissect the song and learn it in its original form piece by piece. This will also help set up the study of song writing. Understanding how artists Choose Chords, develop Melodies and Harmonies, and use the art of Modulation to bring you to and from different keys for effect. Transposing songs to fit your vocal range and Arranging songs to bring out their best. (Recommend 1 hour lesson/week plus practice time)

Finger Style: Great fun for those who would rather not sing but still want to play full songs on guitar. This style of guitar will blend the techniques of traditional finger picking artists along with our own on improvisation over twelve bar blues progressions and songs. You will learn to play all the parts, bass, melody, harmony and inside chords with your picking hand. Also how to create chord/melody arrangements from any melody.

Classical: Classical guitar is taught through developing standard reading skills, finger exercises and scale work while learning beautiful pieces at the same time.

Song Writing: Song writing always begins with an introduction to theory. From there you will study works from other artists to see how they Choose Chords, develop Melodies and Harmonies, and how they use the art of Modulation to bring you to and from different keys for effect. Choose a song and artist that you enjoy and we will dissect the piece learning the above techniques.

Children's Studies: The study of music has proven to enhance a child's concentration, mathematical and reading skills, self confidence, performance skills in all walks of life whether its playing the guitar, to public speaking, to playing sports.

*** Specialties ***All styles but jazz. Rock, blues, folk, finger style, classical, punk, blues and all in between, from funk to punk, rock to metal. I also teach bass and drums.

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Reviews

Chuck May 31, 2016·Acoustic Guitar·In studio

I agree with everything everyone else says about Albert so I don't want to repeat. I started with him when I retired (bucket list litem) and Albert is very patient and helpful ( as well as accommodating my uneven scheduling). You get into songs you like right away and learn technique within the songs as you go. He'll give you as much theory as you want. Shortly after you start with Albert you'll feel like your learning/ playing with a friend... I highly recommend him!

Jaye May 29, 2016·Guitar·In home

The reason Albert is the best instructor ever is that he is really gifted at his craft and at teaching. So many people can do one or the other. Albert makes it fun and instills a desire to practice, and balances theory/performance goals. He is college educated in music and will teach the fundamentals-having said that, he would make a great teacher for the advanced player as well.

Finally, he is the most patient teacher I know, a plus for you and/or your child. I would be pleased to talk personally to anyone considering Albert for lessons.

Joel May 29, 2016·Guitar·In studio

Great teacher...motivates me to do more than I thought I could ...! Always look forward to my session.

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Albert M.

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Albert M.

Highlands, NJ 07732

(20)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Matthew O.

About Matthew

Born and raised in New York City, Matthew "Matt" is an accomplished and respected musician. Matt has been playing guitar for over 30 years and piano for over 15 years and is currently involved in several projects including three bands which have performed in some of NYC's hottest venues including but not limited to CBGB"s, The Bitter End, Crash Mansion, and Kenny's Castaways. Currently Matt is a finalist for an international music competition for Indie acts where he showcases his guitar and vocal abilities. Matt was formerly educated at Queensborough College. He is competent in multiple areas such as theory, technique, sight reading, ear training, and recording engineering. He has studied under noted instructors such as George Bien and Tom Cipriani. In addition to his education and training Matt has had the benefit of living and h

aving been reared in one of the richest and most diverse musical scenes in the country, NYC. This enables Matt to teach and perform in a broad range from the traditional classical guitar/piano to experimental. As an educator, Matt is different from other teachers in his ability to inspire and motivate. Learning to play and master an instrument is challenging and can be a very frustrating experience. Matthew has techniques proven student after student to be successful in overcoming learning obstacles so that the student is able to meet his/her individualized goals. Matthew also has experience teaching individuals with disabilities ranging from Autism to Cancer patients. This ability has helped Matthew become a teacher with over 15 years experience.

*** Lesson Details ***Lessons are provided in a private studio in Astoria, NY or your home. Once, a location is established I work with each student to identify his or her goals and objectives both musically and personally. Students are assessed to determine where their individual ability is at the time of assessment. From there, I work in partnership with the student as we begin mastering the guitar or the piano in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you are interested in learning to play the blues, classical or jazz guitar or any other genre or just learning how to play songs on the piano, I can help. If you are a beginner, don't worry it won't all be scales. In fact I guarantee you will be playing a song within your first lesson. If you are an advanced or intermediate student, I can help you master your skills. We (you and I) will revisit proper right and left hand techniques; utilize exercises to improve your speed and accuracy. You will learn new methods to strengthen your improvisation abilities. In short, you and I will make sure to build on your strengths and undo any bad habits that are hindering your ability to grow as a guitarist or pianist.

*** Specialties ***music, Guitar and PianoI begin with meeting the student where they are in relation to their musical experience. After establishing trust, through encouragement I empower students to recognize their potential with out pre-determined expectations or limits. I am comfortable in various genres from classical to punk.

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Reviews

Lee July 14, 2016·Acoustic Guitar·In home

Matthew is patient with a solid understanding of music as well as guitar. His focus on learning the fundamentals was greatly appreciated.

Matthew is an excellent guitar teacher. He taught my 9 year-old beginner guitar. He's great with kids, patient and dependable. Learning guitar has been a really rewarding experience for my son thanks to Matthew.

About Rob S.

About Rob

I have devised many shortcuts and know every trick and method for instant results.

Sheet music and instructional cds are included in the tuition price. I teach all styles, levels and genres.

Beginners will be playing songs as of their first lesson.

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Reviews

Skip November 25, 2017·Guitar·In studio

I have been taking lessons with Rob for over 10 years now. When I began, I knew nothing about music and had no previous experience playing an instrument. Rob made learning the guitar fun. I now gig regularly around New York City and often get compliments on my guitar playing. I believe I owe all my guitar skills to Rob.

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Rob S.

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Rob S.

West Nyack, NY 10994

(1)

starting at

$50
/ 45-min

About Tara L.

I started playing acoustic guitar when I was seven years old. I have been playing and teaching mostly bluegrass, old time, Irish, blues, and swing jazz styles for many years. I have taught both privately and have also done various workshops at festivals. I have taught guitar multiple years for instance at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival in PA. My students learn to have fun with music. Students can work on rhythms, melodies, improvisation, song writing, getting into and/or hanging on in a jam session, etc.

About Tara

I have a Masters in Education as well as having spent many years performing, teaching in one on one and group settings both privately and at music camps and festivals. I play and teach bluegrass, old time, Irish, and swing jazz styles. I like my students to really enjoy playing music and their lessons as well as learning to become fluent in the language of music. It is not required that folks learn to read music necessarily, but it can be a part of the lessons if desired. I love to see my students able to continue learning and playing on their own, be able to hold their own at jams and on the stage is they so desire, or just enjoy making music for themselves. I have techniques that have proven effective to help get past jam phobia, that help folks learn to improvise who have not had any luck with doing so before, and help getting away fro

m sheet music addictions to be able to have fun and confidence out at jams. I also can give a good foundation in music theory as it applies to one's actual playing and have it be fun and make sense.

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Reviews

joseph January 10, 2018·Mandolin·Online

So much fun. Tara has an infectious attitude for teaching! You can tell she loves it.

Mercedes October 5, 2017·Mandolin·Online

Tara is very knowledgeable and really connects well with her students.

Marcy March 15, 2017·Guitar·In studio

Tara is a wonderful teacher. She made me feel comfortable about my short fingers even before we met for my first guitar lesson. She said she was sure she'd get me playing and we'd have some fun, and she was right! She's patient and respectful for where I'm at musically and short fingers and all, I'm finally, after a couple failed attempts at teaching myself, making music with this guitar!

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Tara L.

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Tara L.

Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706

(9)

starting at

$38
/ 30-min

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About Francesco I.

I possess more than 10 years of progressive experience in music education. My professional history includes positions such as president/instructor at Rockville Centre Music as well as classical guitar instructor at Long Island Conservatory.Most recently, my responsibilities as owner at Rockville Centre Music match the qualifications you are seeking. As the Owner, my responsibilities included preparing schedules, creating lesson plans, and working with special needs children.

About Francesco

I possess more than 10 years of progressive experience in music education. My professional history includes positions such as president/instructor at Rockville Centre Music as well as classical guitar instructor at Long Island Conservatory.Most recently, my responsibilities as owner at Rockville Centre Music match the qualifications you are seeking. As the Owner, my responsibilities included preparing schedules, creating lesson plans, and working with special needs children. I assisted in the successful completion of 10 annual student recitals that showcased over 50 student/teacher/family performances.

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Reviews

Logan November 18, 2017·Piano·In home

Very accommodating and relatable to my teenage son

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Francesco I.

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Francesco I.

Carle Place, NY 11514

(1)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

About Brian C.

We learn the minor and major pentatonic & blues scales in all postions on the guitar and in all keys. We also learn note for note solos by the blues masters. B.B. King, Buddy Guy,Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, etc. We discuss how to use this knowledge in your own solos.

About Brian

I graduated Cum Laude from New York University, where I received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Guitar Performance. I have performed all styles of music on club dates, college shows, concerts, and recording dates.

I have also released a full length commercial recording of my original pop/rock music. Currently,I am teaching full time, performing, and composing.

I enjoy working with new students to develop their playing. My experience and teaching skills have yielded great results.

Brian C.

Brian C.

About Paul Jared N.

I taught myself blues guitar by playing along with the records of B.B. King, Eric Clapton and all the greats in between, so I know how it's done. As the author of several guitar method books, and a teacher for over 25 years, I have the materials and the experience to show you how as well.

About Paul Jared

Hi, I am a native New Yorker and a guitar player since age 13. I played in blues/rock bands throughout my teens, getting to play the legendary clubs of my Greenwich Village neighborhood. My discovery of Spanish classical guitar music occurred in college at UC Berkeley, and I graduated with a BA in Music, then spent two years playing in Europe, before returning home and forming the band Not Heaven; we played the club circuit, Danceteria to CBGB.

I also began teaching at the American Institute of Guitar in NYC, and writing guitar instruction books (still in print!). Along the way I did a Master’s in Guitar Performance at Stony Brook, and have continued to publish, perform and teach the music which inspires me.

Classical and Flamenco music are my primary involvement, as a teacher, performer and composer.

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Reviews

Elsie February 28, 2016·Music Theory·In studio

I learned so much from this guy! Very articulate and funny.

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Paul Jared N.

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Paul Jared N.

New York, NY 10025

(1)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Nikolas P.

Guitar lessons are a fun, laid-back, and encouraging experience for anyone to pursue. My lessons are specifically designed to accomplish the goals of the student, whether it's as simple as playing along with your favorite songs, or obtaining the musical foundation to begin writing your own songs. Former students have thanked me for being laid-back, non-rigid, and down to earth. My diverse musical background lets me offer students of any genre a fast track to learning the skills they desire, and having fun along the way as well!

About Nikolas

With 10 years of live band experience, 8 years of music composition, and 7 years of teaching guitar, I offer vast expertise and a large musical background for very affordable rates! My lessons are described by former/current students as being laid-back, detail-oriented, and very encouraging. My students range in age from 8 years old to adults in their 30's. You can always learn something new!

Most of my musical experience has entailed Rock, Indie-Rock, Blues, Acoustic, Bossa Nova, and Experimental/Contemporary. If students are looking to expand into a genre which I am not necessarily familiar with, I am always able to examine and learn the material myself in order to pass along to the student.

My students always decide the curriculum and pace which they would like their lessons to held at. I make sure to break the lesson down into simp

le, fundamental bullet points so that students do not find themselves lost or confused. Overall, my combination of friendly attitude and communication skills means that all my students get a lesson they enjoy, remember, and improve with.

...

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Nikolas P.

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Nikolas P.

Montclair, NJ 07043

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About jonathan K.

I've been teaching and playing professionally in many countries as well as the US. I know how to see what the student needs to advance their playing. I offer expertise in several types of guitar playing from folk finger picking to blues, country and city styles as well as soul and funky grooves and how to practically apply what you learn both with bands and solo. I am passionate about music and love to convey that enthusiasm to my students as learning should be first and foremost fun and a joyful experience.

About jonathan

I am a highly seasoned professional guitarist, singer and harmonica player and have earned my living performing and teaching in the US and around the world in many different countries. I have released a several original albums under my own name and have worked with many well know artists in blues, rock and roll, soul, country and other musical genres from gospel and reggae to morrocan rai music. I bring to teaching wide experience having taught both privately and with workshops in several countries as well as the US. I enjoy teaching and have both the patience, passion and knowledge to help the student be at one with their guitar. Making the experience of learning both joyful and rewarding.

...

Reviews

Joe November 17, 2017·Guitar·In home

I have known and taken guitar and bass lessons over many years. Jon is one of those great musicians who not only possesses great knowledge of the axe – he also knows how to teach! -- Joe

Rachel November 16, 2017·Guitar·In home

"Jonathan Kalb has been my guitar teacher now for a little over 2 year and ​​I’m delighted to say, I am much more than pleased with my lessons.
I took lessons previously and was OK with them, but found myself wandering and lacking a sense of ‘commitment’ to the teacher and to my studies. Dry.
I’m not a kid anymore and was looking for a teacher who could work with my adult enthusiasm, excitement, and I didn't want to be rooted to teaching me the pentatonic scales in all keys before we could get to some playing and having some fun, too... I was hoping for a teacher who could personalize his teaching skills, and for me, Jonathan came through with flying colors. He’s so much more than a “One Size Fits All” teacher; he’s a real person – reachable, able to identify my needs, my strengths and weaknesses, and takes this into full consideration during our lessons. He’s an experienced, talented teacher. Simple.
He’s a person that really knows his stuff from musical theory to the many styles of playing, i.e., blues, jazz, folk, country and even rock; he can play and more importantly – he can teach um all! I’m an aspiring singer/songwriter and in addition to helping me define those strange chords I’m playing, he inspires me to ‘grow on.’
Oh, and one more thing: If your lesson is an hour long and there’s something important happening, he won’t cut you off - he’ll take the extra time needed to get you to the end of ‘the measure,’ comfortably." Feb 2017 Rachel I.

John November 12, 2017·Harmonica·In home

Jonathan Kalb is a professional blues artist, a multi instrumentalist, and a talented teacher. I have been taking harmonica lessons from Jonathan for over seven years and my playing has improved dramatically as a result of his instruction. He often accompanies me on either piano or guitar in order to help me master a difficult harmonica lick.
Whether you are looking for a teacher on guitar, piano, bass, harmonica or drums, I highly recommend Jonathan Kalb as your teacher.

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Blues Guitar Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Blues Guitar instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Robert

"I've been with several guitar teachers. Jonathan is the best. He teaches not chords or scales, but he teaches MUSIC. How to develop a theme, how to pla

y it as bluesy, and what good music is. I far prefer that to the "here's such and such a chord.""

...

New York, NY teacher:
jonathan K.

Review by CHRIS D

"I started taking weekly electric guitar lessons with Mr. Soukis at his Times Square studio, after watching many videos of him rockin' the blues at various

venues in New York City. He is one of those rare teachers who is not only knowledgeable, but also able to share the knowledge with his students in a comfortable and relaxing manner. I have always been afraid of the guitar but the man has cured my guitar phobia. He has made learning the guitar approachable and fun!!"

...

New York, NY teacher:
Spiros S.

Review by Steven

"I learned so much from guitar lessons. Abe is very organized and has lessons planned very well. I really enjoyed having him as an instructor."

New York, NY teacher:
Abe O.

Review by Wayne

"The lesson went very well. Devin was patient and answered all of my questions of which I had many. He was very thorough in teaching me hand placement and

strumming technique. I was very happy with the lesson and feel I quickly gained confidence."

...

New York, NY teacher:
Devin A.

Review by Allan Stormon

"After messing around on the guitar for years I'm looking for a teacher who can go back and take me through all the building blocks of music, including sca

les, chords, and formations. After just one jam-packed 60 min lesson with Eric I know he's the teacher that can do just that. I feel like I've already learned more than I could in weeks of doing it on my own.

Super pumped to reignite my guitar learning with Eric as I know I'll be able to make progress faster with the proper guided direction.

Let the good times roll..."

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New York, NY teacher:
Eric J.

Review by thomas (63)

"Lucky for me that TARA moved to NY when i decided to Take Acoustic Guitar Lessons.She is very Patient & Knowledgeable with Different Music Styles.I have b

een taking lessons for about a year with good results.Great Teacher & Excellent Musician with Mandolin or Guitar Highly Recommend ."